Published May 5, 2016 at 6:03 PM | Updated at 6:19 AM PDT on May 13, 2016

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Dig swanky suds and cool comics? Your party is on, this July, in San Diego.

A THRILLINGLY TOLD COMIC... isn't solely about the central storyline, the one that depicts the chuckling villain and the good-hearted crusader duking it out over who'll finally rule the skyscraper-laden big city. That's full of twists, surprises, and shocks, for sure, but there are going to be some other elements to the book, some different characters and goals and settings. It's helpful to think of Comic-Con International in a similar frame. The world's best-known pop culture convention will again attract tens (and tens and tens) of thousands to San Diego for several days of blockbuster-y movie panels, surprise screenings, the beloved Masquerade, and all of those tee-selling, toy-tastic booths.

BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE: That's the central storyline of July 21 through 24, but, like an awesome comic, there are other happenings in the tale, happenings that are not affiliated with Comic-Con but do orbit it, around town, with elegance. One of the buzziest? It's the Heroes Brew Craft Beer Festival, which gives fans of fancy foams a chance to dress up in their shiny boots and fluttering cape and enjoy some quality IPA-imbibing time. Even better than that, which is pretty rocking?

IT'S A FUNDRAISER... for Warrior Foundation -- Freedom Station. Want to help out, dress as your favorite comic book champion, and have a social, superhero-y evening at San Diego's picturesque Waterfront Park? This is one popular Comic-Con-adjacent date, and attendees really do break out their save-the-planet, cape-cool best. Tickets, times, and info on the foundation can be found by flying gallantly in this direction.